Newbie Ref Seeks Guidance

[JshJcbsn]

Hey Guys,

Thank you all for all that you do! I have a quick question about where to look and what to watch for during games. I typically operate in a 2 man crew in a YMCA league, where my partner and I have been trying to figure things out as the season progresses.

We've been involved in a few physical games of late (grades 7-9, 10-12); and I'm wondering how the experienced officials spot a lot of the "ticky tack" contact that so many players, coaches, and fans can "clearly see" that my partner and I painfully miss.

I can't call what I don't see. Is there any wisdom that can help me catch more?

[Back In The Saddle]

You pose a very good question about a very real problem. As you have realized, half the battle is knowing where to watch and what to watch for. It's something we all have to learn. I spent a few years training volunteer officials for a church league. Teaching them how to deal with clueless, stupid, out of control rough play (i.e., church league basketball) was was a major challenge. I assembled what I think is a useful and detailed document on this topic. You may find it helpful. You can find it here: Controlling Rough Play.

Hopefully it will give you some of the guidance you're looking for. If you have questions about any part of it, or if there are topics you'd like expanded on, bring your questions back here and I'm sure you'll get feedback o'plenty.

[dsqrddgd909]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

You pose a very good question about a very real problem. As you have realized, half the battle is knowing where to watch and what to watch for. It's something we all have to learn. I spent a few years training volunteer officials for a church league. Teaching them how to deal with clueless, stupid, out of control rough play (i.e., church league basketball) was was a major challenge. I assembled what I think is a useful and detailed document on this topic. You may find it helpful. You can find it here: Controlling Rough Play.

Hopefully it will give you some of the guidance you're looking for. If you have questions about any part of it, or if there are topics you'd like expanded on, bring your questions back here and I'm sure you'll get feedback o'plenty.

Where can I buy the book "BITS guide for newbie officials."? Great advice in that document. I just finished a rec league similar to the OP's...I'll keep that document on file for next year.

[Mark Padgett]

And don't ever forget the first rule of officiating.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

And don't ever forget the first rule of officiating.

JshJcbsn: If you believe in all that's good, and pure, and right, in this world, please don't ask.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

JshJcbsn: If you believe in all that's good, and pure, and right, in this world, please don't ask.

You two should go on the road.

No, really.

[Rooster]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

JshJcbsn: If you believe in all that's good, and pure, and right, in this world, please don't ask.

Arghhh! The suspense is killing me... Alright, how 'bout some hints.

[Da Official]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

You pose a very good question about a very real problem. As you have realized, half the battle is knowing where to watch and what to watch for. It's something we all have to learn. I spent a few years training volunteer officials for a church league. Teaching them how to deal with clueless, stupid, out of control rough play (i.e., church league basketball) was was a major challenge. I assembled what I think is a useful and detailed document on this topic. You may find it helpful. You can find it here: Controlling Rough Play.

Hopefully it will give you some of the guidance you're looking for. If you have questions about any part of it, or if there are topics you'd like expanded on, bring your questions back here and I'm sure you'll get feedback o'plenty.

Very good stuff! Thanks!

[Tio]

Glad to see that a passion is developing for officiating. I would recommend getting plugged in with your local HS association. This will give you an outlet to experienced officials and hopefully... more training than is available with most CYO or YMCA leagues.

As far as the "physical play" is concerned... physical play is okay... its the rough play that gets our games out of control. A couple of broad ideas: All non-basketball plays must be called...(anything dirty or in the cheapshot nature). Really look back at your games and see if there are certain plays that set the coaches and players off. Look at those situations and see if you could have handled them better or differently.

Remember, officiating is a learning process...work hard and try to get better every night and the improvement will follow.

[JshJcbsn]

Thanks guys!

You've really helped put a perspective on things. While reading the article, there were definitely some things that came to mind that I should have called at one time or another. I know that I can do a better job now. Thank you for the help!

... I thought the number one rule to officiating was that I am always right, always.